"A Game of Chess" is an editorial I worked on with photographer An Le for Harper’s Bazaar. This was such a fun story, as I styled two makeup looks in each shot for the wonderfully talented (and not to mention gorgeous) model Chrystal Copland of Fusion Models NYC. The concept was to play with contrast, showing Chrystal in black and white styling, emphasized by the contrast of the chess board.

This shoot is definitely open for interpretation, so let your imagination run wild as you check out these shots and head over to my portfolio by clicking here to see the rest of the story!

I am excited to share a very special feature that I styled makeup for and was interviewed in April 2013’s issue of Ebony Magazine. The concept behind the beauty story was Bold Makeup For Every Age. Ebony invited me to share some of my tips and demonstrate them on 3 models: one in her 20s, one in her 40s and another in her 60s. I had a lot of fun accentuating each model’s beauty and finding ways to highlight her best features while addressing age-specific skin care and beauty needs.

Here is a play by play of the article, let me know what you think and if you have any tips of your own!

In Your 20s, Be a Mix MasterYouth is on your side, especially when it comes to trying an adventurous new look. Push the limits by wearing not one, but three saturated hues at once. “[Women] in this age group can definitely play up their eyes,” says makeup artist Johnny Gonzalez. Pair the look with a rosy shade on the lips.

In Your 40s, Try Tonal ColorShake up a bland makeup routine by selecting a fresh-picked color such as tangerine for your eyes. Too over-the-top for you? Add a little smokiness with a violet shadow in the outer corner of your eyes. A hint of gold shadow adds a youthful glow. Complete the look with a nude lip in a soft peachy hue.

In Your 60s, Find the Perfect AccentYou may be considered “a woman of a certain age,” but that shouldn’t stop you from enhancing your best assets. “Women in their 60s start to lose the natural volume and definition in their lips,” Gonzalez says. “Red lips give the illusion of fullness.” He recommends using a liner, followed by lipstick, then topping off with gloss. This three-step layered approach ensures your color won’t migrate into any fine lines. Avoid makeup overload by limiting eye shadow to one shade.

"Vintage Revival" is an editorial that I worked on for ELLE (vn), with the gorgeous model Sydney Roper (PhotoGenics) and shot by Alvin Nguyen. We shot at a beautiful Newport Beach House while I was out in LA… here are a few images from the final published editorial!

This fall the purple lip has found it’s way onto runways, red carpets and in editorials, making a bold yet elegant beauty statement. Check out this clip (in Spanish) where I show you how to wear it. I even give you a tip on a matching the look with an updo to let your lips be the focus, only on Telemundo’s Mujer De Hoy. View more of my work at www.jsgonzalez.com

"About Her Eyes" is a beauty shoot that I worked on with the gorgeous Michelle from @red_nyc Red Model Management! I created a dreamy, editorial feel for each shot by simply changing her eye makeup while our photographer, Matt Miller, used different lighting techniques to heighten the feel.

Check out a recent shoot with the beautiful Katia Inamo @KatiaIA from @LAModelsAgency where I styled hair and makeup for while in LA. The talented Alvin Nguyen @AlvinNguyen shot this while we explored locations around Laguna Beach one sunny afternoon!

I just stumbled upon the Spring 2012 Jean Paul Gaultier couture collection inspired and presented as a tribute to the late Amy Winehouse. I was blown away by how representative the collection was; JPG managed to portray Amy’s personality, charm, style and gutsy persona in each piece. The collection was extensive, but here are my top 10 favorite looks (in no particular order)!

One person weighed in “I think it’s a tribute from a genius to a genius that many people won’t understand. Gaultier was brilliant again, it was the best way to honor a woman that lived in the edge. He showed her the way SHE WAS. And that’s why we loved Amy.” What did you think about the collection?

Beauty Trend: Statement Brows are Back! It was just a few years ago that the bleached eyebrow was taking the fashion world by storm; the trend now is to go natural and “bushy but groomed”, remembering to stay in proportion with your face.

To get the look, never pluck from the top of the brow. Work from under the brow, one hair at a time in the direction the hair grows, following the natural brow line. To finish, use a waxy brow pencil to fill in the gaps using short, small strokes to create “hairs” (you can also use a powder for more depth of color control). Finish off with clear brow gel or a bit of clear lip balm!

I’m looking forward to viewing The Met’s Spring 2012 Costume Institute exhibition, Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations. The exhibit promises to explore the similarities between Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada, two Italian designers from different eras. According to the Met, “Iconic ensembles will be presented with videos of simulated conversations between Schiaparelli and Prada directed by Baz Luhrmann, focusing on how both women explore similar themes in their work through very different approaches”. Over 90 designs and 30 accessories will be on display from May 10th until August 19th, 2012.

(photo: Selections from Prada Collections Spanning Spring 1996 to Fall 2011 Photographed by Steven Meisel for the May Issue of Vogue)

Wedding Season is here! Over the past few years I’ve had the honor of styling hair and makeup for M&J Bridal’s Lookbook, and I’m pleased to share a few looks from this 2012’s shoot! M&J upped the ante for 2012 with two models, so I brought on my talented assistant Veronika Robova to work on makeup under my direction. My goal was to create a well rounded variety of bridal hairstyles and makeup looks that showed off M&J’s stunning pieces while giving the bride a sense of how she could look on her special day.

You can view more of the looks at http://www.jsgonzalez.com/wedding and be sure to come back here over the next few days to see a few exclusive shots you won’t see anywhere else!

I am proud to showcase “Forbidden Love”, an editorial that I styled hair and makeup featured in Dep Magazine - shot in New York City by photographer An Le. Very special thanks to my assistant on set, Veronika Robova. You can view the editorial and more of my work at www.jsgonzalez.com

A behind the scenes look at the making of “Forbidden Love”, an editorial for Dep Magazine where I styled hair and makeup. Shot in New York City by photographer An Le. Very special thanks to my assistant on set, Veronika Robova. You can view the full editorial and more of my work at www.jsgonzalez.com